Transcript title

Intro to Criminal Justice

Credits

3

Grading mode

Standard letter grades

Total contact hours

30

Lecture hours

30

Course Description

Introduces key components of the US criminal justice system, covering law enforcement, the courts, and corrections.

Course learning outcomes

1. Identify constitutional restrictions placed on law enforcement.
2. Recognize the organizational structure of police agencies and define terms used in the process of justice, the court system, and related agencies.
3. Identify trends in modern policing and methods applicable to improving the criminal justice system.
4. Define individual educational and employment objectives.

Content outline

1. Introduction to Criminal Justice
   1. Overview of the criminal justice system
   2. The role of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections
   3. Historical development of the criminal justice system in the US
2. The Role of Law Enforcement
   1. The duties and responsibilities of police officers
   2. The structure and function of local, state, and federal agencies
   3. The process of criminal investigations and arrests
   4. Law enforcement techniques and practices
3. The Courts System
   1. The structure of the US court system (local, state, and federal)
   2. The roles of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and juries
   3. The process of criminal trials and pre-trial procedures
   4. Plea bargaining and sentencing
4. Corrections System
   1. The purpose and types of corrections: probation, parole, prisons, and jails
   2. The role of correctional officers and facilities
   3. Rehabilitation vs. punishment: Modern correctional strategies
   4. Juvenile justice and its relationship to adult corrections
5. Criminal Justice and Society
   1. The relationship between criminal justice and societal issues
   2. The impact of crime on communities and individuals
   3. The role of criminal justice in maintaining social order
6. Ethics and Social Justice in Criminal Justice
   1. Ethical considerations in law enforcement, the courts, and corrections
   2. Racial, gender, and socio-economic disparities in the justice system
   3. The balance between civil rights and public safety

Required materials

Textbook is required.

General education/Related instruction lists

• Social Science